Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition and CPU upgrade

[Guest]

Hi -

I am currently running Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition on a relatively
new system with a Intel Core2 6600 CPU chip. I am upgrading to the Core2
Extreme Quad-Core Processor QX6700 chip.

Is there any reason for me to re-install Windows after I do the upgrade, or
should everything work just the same as before?

Any opinions or help would be greatly appreciated.

Bruce Merkin

 

[Margaret]

Hi -

I am currently running Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition on a relatively
new system with a Intel Core2 6600 CPU chip. I am upgrading to the Core2
Extreme Quad-Core Processor QX6700 chip.

Is there any reason for me to re-install Windows after I do the upgrade, or
should everything work just the same as before?

Any opinions or help would be greatly appreciated.

I just ugraded from a single- to a dual-core CPU and had to change the
HAL via an "in-place" upgrade of Windows XP. (My machine still booted,
just didn't make use of the second core till I replaced the HAL.) Since
you should already be running the multiprocessor HAL, you should be good
to go. I'm assuming Vista works the same way.

Here are some TechNet articles on the subject. Of course, these discuss
XP and not Vista.

1. HAL options after Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/309283/en-us

2. How to force a Hardware Abstraction Layer during an upgrade or an
installation of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299340/

3. How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/

Hope all this helps,

Margaret

 

[Robert Moir]

Hi -

I am currently running Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition on a
relatively
new system with a Intel Core2 6600 CPU chip. I am upgrading to the Core2
Extreme Quad-Core Processor QX6700 chip.

All should be well if you're keeping the same motherboard and simply
changing the processor.

If you're installing a new motherboard then a reinstall / repair process may
be needed. Only one way to find out for sure though (At this time I like to
mention that backups are a GOOD thing).

Is there any reason for me to re-install Windows after I do the upgrade,
or
should everything work just the same as before?

Well hopefully, things will be a little faster...

 

[Steve Jain]

All should be well if you're keeping the same motherboard and simply
changing the processor.

If you're installing a new motherboard then a reinstall / repair process may
be needed. Only one way to find out for sure though (At this time I like to
mention that backups are a GOOD thing).


Well hopefully, things will be a little faster...

Post back and let us know that speed difference. I'm curious to see
what your results are.

 

[Robert Moir]

Post back and let us know that speed difference. I'm curious to see
what your results are.

Curious about that myself now you mention it, Steve. You've got to assume
that the OP has already determined that the system is processor-bound
already.

 

[I.P. Nichols]

I am currently running Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition on a

Post back and let us know that speed difference. I'm curious to see
what your results are.

I'm running a Core 2 Duo dual core E6300 overclocked from 1.86 to 2.9GHz
with 2GB DDR2 memory running at 830MHz with 4-4-4-2T timing and on the
latest Everest (3.800.945) benchmarks it runs faster than any of the dual
core versions not overclocked and some 50% slower than the quad cores
listed. And I only paid $185 vs $1100+ for the QX6700, in fact all the
components for my new Vista rig including case /w 500w power supply cost
$1150, you do the math. ;-)